What can’t we learn from TikTok? Seriously. We’ve got pimple hacks, the 12-3-30 workout, and heatless curls down to a science, all thanks to the nifty little video-sharing app. Beauty and workout tips aren’t all that TikTok has to offer, though; it has become the place to go for all sorts of lifestyle content, including healthy recipes and TikTok food hacks.
From Lizzo showing us how to whip up the tastiest vegan lunches to next-level wilderness cooking (we’re looking at you, @menwiththepot), TikTok is home to countless creators on #foodtok who are determined to open our eyes to a whole new world of healthy, mouthwatering meals in one minute or less. And with hundreds of thousands of videos and 5.7 billion views on the #healthyrecipes tag alone, we’re spoilt for choice. But do their health creds actually hold up?
Health check
So often these days we try to put food in a black and white category – either on one side or the other. What’s the point of living your life if you deprive yourself of your favourites all of the time! With this, TikTok videos are great because they’re a great way to share, educate, inspire and encourage people to get back in the kitchen cooking more and enjoying food.
However, some of the content can come from companies that label it as ‘healthy,’ yet when it comes down to it – aren’t really a healthier option. It could be a simple, fun, quirky hack that engages you, but might not have the education to back the theory.
But that doesn’t mean you should stop scrolling. TikTok is the new Pinterest from a food sharing perspective (Pinterest has been a brilliant recipe resource for years), but it’s important we balance our entertainment with education. And therefore, as the consumer of that content you should challenge things and ask yourself questions:
● Does it include real food ingredients?
● Does it have veggies?
● Is it high in protein and low in processed ingredients and sugars?
If the answer is yes, then it’s pretty likely that it’s good for you. If it’s chopped full of sugar and ingredients with numbers and colours, then no, it’s probably not.
Get Inspired
We need to be able to not overthink these things too. Food is to be enjoyed and if TikTok is providing a platform where you are enjoying food again that’s a positive thing, just don’t take everything you see as gospel, and if in doubt do a bit more research. It’s very easy to find out what particular ingredients are in food and if you break those ingredients down to find out if they are good for you.
The best thing about these TikTok food hacks is how they inspires variety with basic ingredients – proving eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. You can indulge in a delicious meal without having to feel like you’re sacrificing on taste. One of our most popular recipes with my 28ers is Woody’s Healthy Butter Chicken (you’ll thank me later), which has the same sentiment – providing taste while still being good for you.
Remember, progress not perfection. We don’t have to eat perfectly all the time, in fact I am dead against it. If you eat at about an 8/10 and enjoy a glass of wine, piece of chocolate or favourite dessert from time to time and have a big smile on your face that’s what it’s all about.
Three TikTok food hacks to consider
@emilymariko ♬ original sound – Emily Mariko
Emily Mariko’s Salmon Rice Bowl
The use of oily fish here is great – being packed full of omega-3 fatty acids. The meal is pretty well balanced with a good mix of healthy fats, protein, and carbs. To up the fibre content, try switching out white rice for a wholegrain alternative.
@thedowntownaly #carrotchips #airfryerrecipes #keto #ketosnacks #healthy ♬ Wait… What?! – CBL
Air Fried Carrot Chips
Using an air fryer means the carrot cooked in no time and it also means you’ll be reducing the amount of fat that you cook with because the air fryer doesn’t need a lot of oil. Not only that, carrots are a great source of Vitamin A which helps to keep our cell repair and turnover in check.
@feelgoodfoodie Baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes!! Recipe on blog • Inspired by @grilledcheesesocial 😘 #tiktokpartner #LearnOnTikTok #fetapasta #recipes ♬ original sound – Feel Good Foodie
Baked Feta Pasta
This is probably the most famous TikTok food hack of all time. While the amount of cheese in the dish can certainly be toned down, you can mix it up by adding more vegetables to create diet diversity, which is important for a healthy gut.
Source @womenshealth.com.au: Read more at : womenalive.org
